It’s Saturday and the final day of Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips. Great tipping this week including 16/1 winner on Wednesday plus 16/1 and 6/1 and 5/1 winners on Thursday and 7/1 winner yesterday.

2.30 – Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo): At face value it will take an awful lot to get Natalie’s Joy, who pasted a great time when winning very impressively on her Goodwood debut, beaten here. Her time was the fastest juvenile performance on the clock since Bachir set the course record the Richmond Stakes, and it broke into the top 20 of time performances over the last decade on the clock. The form is not worth much but so impressive was she she’s still the one to beat.

However, she makes the market with two other places if she wins and it’s worth searching for something else to hit the frame. Beyond Reason ought to go close following a taking win at Kempton on her second start but she was beaten fair and square by New Winds, whose only defeat in three starts has come on a soft surface at Doncaster. She proved that wasn’t her running when carrying a sizeable penalty to victory at Haydock when back on good to firm ground and she looks overpriced to take a big hand in the finish here with 7 furlongs perhaps the only unknown.

Cardini has to be respected for the connections he represents but nothing he has done suggests he will be good enough today and he is swerved. San Donato ran into Legends Of War (7/2 for the Coventry but now goes to the July Stakes) last time, a strong debut effort given the regard in which the winner was held, and it’s an encouraging sign that he went off 7/4 for a novice stakes. He was three and a half lengths clear of the next best home and ought to improve plenty for Ascot’s stiff seven here.

Arthur Kitty was a taking winner of a Haydock maiden, but the form has been let down too many times for comfort since.

Matthieu Palussiere made his name at this meeting last season when taking the Albany with Different League and has had 20 juvenile winners this season along with a decent run from Forever In Dreams in the Queen Mary. On A Session impressed with his turn of foot at Lyon Parilly when backed like a good thing on debut and he showed an impressive attitude in the latter stages of the Prix De Puycharic at Angers. Those are the same two races that Different League won before taking the Albany and his presence here, along with the booking of Wayne Lordan, is a big sign and he is well worth watching.

Nate The Great was an impressive winner of his Novice Auction Stakes at Carlisle whilst Assie View’s Doncaster victory sowed him as a horse who will get every yard of what is a testing trip at this stage of the juvenile season.

3.05 –Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+): Sir Michael Stoute has had a deservedly great week and there’s little reason to oppose his Crystal Ocean. Second only to Capri in the Leger last year, his two wins this season in the Gordon Richards and Aston Park Stakes suggests he’s ready to get even better and he towers over the field. Barsanti, second in this last year, scored a nice listed win on his return but that form has been let down since and he needs more still.

Idaho won this last year and has been very busy since. His chance relies on whether he has recovered from his fourth in the Coronation Cup when the ground went well against him, but even at his best he faces a task to overturn Crystal Ocean. Cliffs Of Moher hasn’t progressed as hoped and this is a quick return after the Prince Of Wales’ on Wednesday. Red Verdon, a versatile five year old, looks overmatched.

Advice: No bet.

3.40 – 5f Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo): Really competitive fare as expected to spice up the Saturday card. Wesley Ward had his 10th winner at the meeting when Shang Shang Shang took the Norfolk and it’s no surprise he has the favourite in the Windsor Castle, a race that started his love affair with the meeting. Ward has won this race twice before and Moonlight Romance followed home Thursday’s Norfolk Stakes winner at Keeneland in April before winning by over five lengths at Belmont Park last month so ought to be tough to catch.

It’s not impossible to catch a Ward horse though, and if one horse in this field is capable it could pay to look at the obvious in Queen Of Bermuda. William Haggas’ daughter of Exceed and Excel was beaten only by Shades Of Blue here in an extremely strong maiden and that impression was backed up when Shades Of Blue and Come On Leicester were third and fifth respectively in the Queen Mary on Wednesday.

Her wins at Thirsk and Windsor were both impressive displays and if she runs to form she must have a strong chance.

Aidan O’Brien has had three winners despite a mixed week – what many trainers would give for his results – but his juveniles have run very well, and Van Beethoven is worth giving a chance to. He was considered good enough to head to Newmarket as early as April for the Novice stakes at the Craven meeting and he impressed despite is greenness at the start. He made amends for that in good style at Naas next time out and was a hot favourite to beat Fairyland in the Marble Hill. He lost no face in finishing second given that Fairyland was third in the Albany today whilst Land Force, behind him there, was a close third in the Norfolk. This trip is a potential question mark but as a sharper horse now the start hopefully won’t be a problem and he will have bags of pace to run into here.

Mutawaffer’s Goodwood form has been franked after a promising debut here and he rates a big threat, as does Dom Carlos, who made all in fine style at the Curragh just 15 days ago. He’s open to much further progress now he’s got the hang of things. There are lots of other contenders but Mathieu Plaussiere’s juveniles this season have been deeply impressive in France and both Junius Brutus and Rolling King need serious respect.

Rolling King ought to be suited by dropping back to five furlongs on quick ground, having been outstayed at Chantilly over 6 furlongs on soft ground, and he was an impressive winner on debut from two other stablemates. Junius Brutus, purchased by King Power Racing for £300,000 at Goffs on Monday, has won his first two runs easily and beat La Feve easier than stablemate Rolling King managed to do.

Kessaar might well have won on her debut at York had he not been hampered and it’s significant that John Gosden sees fit to run him here with Frankie Dettori on board. He is one of many eyecatchers along with Chapelli and Solider’s Call.

4.20 – 6f Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): Another fantastic race and a great way to end the week. It has been a long time since an Australian win in this race, but Redkirk Warrior has proven himself a sprinter out of the top drawer in Australia and can strike a blow for those down under. He has been transformed by the Hayes into a top-class sprinter and took his place at he Australian top table with a pair of Group 1 wins earlier in the year. The first came in the Lighting Stakes, when he came from last to first to nail the brilliant Redzel – the country’s then top sprinter and a winner of the richest sprint in the world, The Everest – on the line, and he then stretched out an extra furlong to take the Newmarket Handicap, having made all on the standside. He carried top weight that day, so produced an arguable career best to hold off a top-class field. He gave 13lbs to Merchant Navy that day, form which puts him right in the mix even through a domestic viewpoint. The worry for him is this stiff finish but otherwise all looks set fair.

Merchant Navy, winner of five of his eight races in Australia for Aaron Purcell, took the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington despite an awful passage and was coming with a wet sail in the Newmarket handicap to do the same. He is 13lbs worse off with Redkirk Warrior, but his move to Ballydoyle is highly likely to bring out improvement and his win in the Greenlands Stakes when giving a penalty to the extremely solid yardsticks of Spirit Of Valor and Brando.

Harry Angel, a brilliant winner of the July and Sprint Cups, is 0-4 here but there has been no shame in those defeats and his best effort on this track came at this meeting he pushed Caravaggio to the very limit last year. He was set alight by Intelelgnece Cross on the front end that day that day and will need to be calmer here but sets a high standard and won the Duke Of York doing a hack canter to show his wellbeing. The key for him will be the pace on the front end.

The Tin Man won this last year and was a good third in the Sprint Cup but this will take a lot more winning here although his latest win against D’Bai was a promising reappearance. Librisa Breeze beat a number of these contenders when taking the Champions Day sprint and was badly hampered when fourth in this last year. He goes on all ground but the softer the better for him and a pace burnup would be ideal.

Bound For Nowhere came into this last year with just two runs to his name but he ran a huge race to be fourth at the line after being cut up in his run and he has since won twice, taking the Shakertown Stakes in fine style as a warmup. He appeals as the biggest threat to the front three in the market here.

City Light has massively improved from three to four and is unbeaten this year, winning over six furlongs at Chantilly and Lingfield before taking the Saint-Georges at Longchamp, and a return to six might help him.

Projection was a good third to the Tin Man but will struggle to reverse that form today and Sir Dancelot has a tough task based on his York form with Harry Angel.

Advice: 1 pt win Redkirk Warrior (4/1 general)

5.00 – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-110) :The bookmakers will be in fear of Dreamfield, the four-year-old who has won his three starts in two years, looking like a star in two of those successes. Injury robbed him of a chance to tackle group sprinters but when he romped home in a handicap on his return he left a very positive impression and the second Silent Echo (who also runs here) has since won twice and done so in good style.

However, he is 4/1, and not an attractive betting promotion with just two races to go and there’s lots of each/way potential. Tupi has had a low-key campaign in Dubai this season but he ran with a good deal of credit when fourth in two valuable 6 furlong handicaps in February and can be forgiven a disappointing effort when upped in trip to seven furlongs there. He was rated 109 after finishing third in the Prix Maurice De Gheest last August an is now rated 100, a full 9lbs lower, with his liking for 6 furlongs over this course already established after a sixth in the 2017 Diamond Jubilee. He’s also won well off a break before; the last time he returned from Dubai was when he won the Cammidge Trophy by four lengths at Doncaster.

Al Qahwa has proven to be very difficult to catch right but this season he’s put two efforts together and he’s arguably been unlucky not to win both of those, being checked in his run at Ripon and then finding his route blocked two furlongs out at Epsom in a competitive handicap that closed out Derby day. He was beginning to his full stride when having to move down to the rail two furlongs out and then was set for third and maybe more when stopped in the final furlong. This much more conventional course will help a great deal and 98 looks fair on that basis.

Victory Angel didn’t kick off from a very impressive win last April, but he began this campaign with a super eye-catching effort at Newmarket once again when thriving for the rising ground and taking fourth on the line. He ought to strip much fitter from that and this is his more realistic Ascot assessment for a good while.

5.35 – 2m5½f (2m5f143y) Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (Class 2) (4yo+): At the mercy of Thomas Hobson with no Oriental Fox but he is just 6/4 so look elsewhere for the places.

Fun Mac’s second in the Chester Cup on his reappearance looks much better after Magic Circle bolted up in the Henry II Stakes and fourth Dubawi Fifty was second in the Ascot Stakes this week. A previous second in the 2015 Ascot Stakes, he could improve from that reappearance and if staying the extra trip, will take all the beating on form.

Count Octave will have a big form chance if his stamina lasts but he’s stepping up a mile in trip and is just 6/1 and Pallasator makes more appeal as a very strong stayer, although whether he’ll be so good on fast ground, or consent to putting in a full effort, remains to be seen.

Nearly Caught isn’t as good as he used to be but he has form at 2m4f, was first past the post in the Oleander-Rennen at Hoppergarten after a good fourth in the Further Flight, and has an each/way chance.

It’s Friday at Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips. Great tipping this week including 16/1 winner on Wednesday plus 16/1 and 6/1 and 5/1 winners yesterday.

2.30 – Albany Stakes (Fillies’ Group 3) (Class 1) (2YO only): Aidan O’Brien has been knocking on the door with his juveniles all week and he holds an extremely strong hand here. Just Wonderful did well to bely her inexperience and win by a neck on her debut at the Curragh, and the daughter of Wading promises to improve a huge deal for that experience. Behind her were next time out winners Lethal Impact and Gossamer Wings, who was third in the Queen Mary.

It’ll take a good one to stop her but stablemate Fairyland has looked like just that in her two starts, quickening up smartly to beat a next time out winner on her debut at Naas and then taking a predictably big step forward when seeing off a talented set of rivals to take the Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh. Her straightforward attitude impressed and she had a convincing two and a half lengths in hand over highly rated stablemate Van Beethoven.

The third, Land Force, was beaten just half a length in the Norfolk yesterday, and fourth Gee Rex was eighth in the Coventry on Tuesday, so the form stacks up well and she can get the better of her stablemate.

Given the number of splits we’ve had this week, and the regular presence of big priced placed horses in the shakeup of juvenile races, it makes sense to have two strings to your bow. Octave needed all of Silvestre de Sousa’s strength to justify favouritism on debut but next time out she found only the startlingly impressive Calyx too good at the July course. She was beaten by an easy five lengths, but he has since won what looked a very strong Coventry and she was six lengths clear of the third. How flattered she is by her relative proximity remains to be seen but 20/1 looks too big to find out.

Main Edition has won two novice races in the style of a pattern horse and ought to be involved in the reckoning whilst Angel’s Hideaway, running for the week’s star team in the shape of Gosden and Dettori, moved clear in good style at Haydock last time on her second start. Godolphin’s La Pelosa was well backed on debut and won her maiden at Kempton smoothly from a next time out winner. She makes immediate appeal on form and potential.

Jessica Harrington’s Chicas Amigas impressed with victory at Dundalk and didn’t lose much face when second in a listed event to stablemate Servalan, who was sixth in the Queen Mary, whilst So Perfect was fourth in both aces. She can go well.

Different League made virtually all for Matthieu Palussiere in this race last season and the French handler saddles No More Regrets this time around, although she must improve from her second in the Premio Vitorio Crespi last time out. Yan Durepaire’s Bryon Bay, an impressive winner on her debut at Chantilly, makes more appeal from the raiding challenge.

Stillwater Cove wouldn’t have held on over five furlongs at Keenland when taking her Maiden Special Weight and Wesley Ward has had his juvenile winners at 5 furlongs here, so over this trip she makes little appeal.

3.05 – 1m4f (1m3f211y) King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (3yo): Not much separates the field here. Wells Farhh Go looked a top prospect when he stole the Acomb Stakes on the line at York last season and his return in the Dante there gave encourage encouragement that he retains enough of his ability to move forward. This is the fastest ground he’ll have raced on and there might be stamina issues for some, but his overall promise makes him worth chancing.

Aidan O’Brien has had three horses beaten in Group 1’s bounce back to win at this meeting so far and it’s no surprise that Delano Roosevelt is favourite after his Epsom sixth. He deserves serious respect but perhaps Rostropovich can follow in the footsteps of Hunting Horn and improve greatly for fast ground following his French Derby effort. He was a disappointing ninth there, but today he reverts to the fast ground that he’s had just once this season, when he won the Dee Stakes in fine style. He looked as if he’d get further comfortably then although his stamina isn’t guaranteed, and on fast ground we could see plenty of improvement.

Giuseppe Garibaldi is a quickly maturing contender for Ballydoyle who has won his last two starts when getting good ground, including the King George V Cup.

Old Persian is well worth a try at this new trip and Raa Atoll has already improved a great deal for it since his taking debut so those two ought to be involved. Elector was a staying on second to Raa Atoll at Leicester for The Queen and should improve over this trip. He makes an interesting contender for Sir Michael Stoute here.

3.40 – 6f Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo): A race with sensational potential and an almost limitless list of contenders. The two against the field are Sands Of Mali and Invincible Spirit, who were separated by just noise at the end of the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock last time. Sands Of Mali, a deeply impressive winner of the Gimcrack when he beat Invincible Army at York last year, didn’t fire in the Middle Park and the Breeders’ Cup, but was game as ever in the Prix Sigy when carrying a 6lbs penalty, and he made all once again in the Sandy Lane, manging to pull out a half a length on the runner up before then holding on at the line.

Invincible Army wont he Sirenia Strakes after his Gimcrack second last year and was beaten by the subsequent Greenham winner Expert Eye at the end of the season. His return in the Pavillion Skates, when he put a length and a half between him and Eqtidaar, set him up nicely for a bold bid in the Sandy Lane and he ought to enjoy returning to this track

The market has been dominated by Equilateral, the startlingly impressive 12 length winner at Doncaster. The bare form of that race might have taken a knock but the fact is that he beat a 97 rated filly last time by 8 lengths conceding 12lbs – a Group 1 performance in anyone’s book. He might be a bit short now after sustained support for the last two weeks.

Sioux Nation took the Norfolk here last year and then followed up with the Phoenix Stakes shortly afterwards. He was a Middle Park disappointment but his latest win ahead of stablemate Fleet Reveal in the Lacken Stakes (Speak In Colour and Now You’re Talking behind) when carrying a penalty showed a smart turn of foot and he will love returning back to this course and distance. Indeed, Fleet Review himself has each/way potential; This test ought to suit a great deal and so will having a pace to run at.

Emblazoned was a fine third in the Sandy Lane and behind him was Heartache and Unfortunately. If both are back to the form they showed last summer, with Heartache a fine winner of the Queen Mark and Unfortunately a game winner of the Prix Morny, they can prove to be well overpriced.

4.20 – 1m (Rnd) Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo): A fine clash between the winners of the English, French, and Irish 1,000 Guineas. There appears to be little reason not to take Billesdon Brook’s Newmarket win at face value and that form appears to be the strongest in the race with Laurens having won the Prix Saint-Alary and Prix de Diane since whilst Wild Illusion has finished second in the Oaks and Ribblesdale since. She put the race to bed with a very convincing turn of foot that day and whilst she will have to show that speed again against milers, she appears overpriced in relation to the Irish pair at the head of the market.

Alpha Centuari relished a return to fast ground when taking the Irish 1,000 Guineas with a sustained late charge. Just beaten in the Albany last year, she ought to be seriously involved once again. Clemmie was one of the top juveniles of last season, taking the Middle Park with a fine turn of foot from Albany winner Different League to end her campaign.

She was expected to take high rank in the Guineas but a hold up in March came at just the wrong time, meaning she had to miss the 1,000 Guineas. Her comeback in the Irish version wasn’t spectacular, but she had only just made that assignment according to her trainer and a huge improvement can be expected here which should have her on the premises.

Teppal gave David Simcock a first classic winner when quickening up best in what was a bunch finish to take the Poule D’Essai Des Pouliches. She’s only had three runs and could improve a great deal from her Pouliches win, her first of the season, although she will need to based on the bare form there. She had Coeur De Beaute just a short neck behind and she must be respected too based on that form here although had the previous advantage of a run, unlike fourth that day Capla Temptress.

Threading looked as if she’d returned to her best when beating a solid yardstick absolutely pointless at York and if that’s the case she’ll take some catching although that was a soft four runner event which didn’t test her stamina. The way Veracious won her maiden at Newmarket suggest she’s a group horse but this is some ask on her comeback.

Anna Nerium has already been beaten in the Guineas, for all she ran creditably, and all of Adorable, Aim Of Artemis, Whitefountainfairy and Nkosikazi must improve rapidly.

Advice: 2 pts each/way Billesdon Brook (13/2 Paddy Power)

5.00 – Sandringham Stakes (Fillies’ Handicap) (Str) (Class 2) (3YO only): As per usual, friendly competitive so we’ll cut straight to the chase. Ed Walker’s Argotera is an obvious favourite but she’s probably earned it after beating the easy Goodwood winner Four White Socks by over a length last time out. That was only her third start but crucially her first one on fast ground and previously she had been beaten just a length by Dathanna here. 7lbs better off with her from that run, she ought to take the beating.

It’s even more obvious to have the second favourited in the profile but the way that Qazyuna travelled through the early stages of the Pretty Polly suggested that a drop back to this trip wouldn’t suit and she was an impressive maiden winner before that when looking as if a big field handicap would be her thing in the future. Two horses have placed in the Pretty Polly as a route to Sandringham glory and the pace profile and track should see a career best.

Last but not least, Aidan O’Brien’s Broadway. She’s had just four runs and the only poor one took place on heavy ground when connections ran her over 12 furlongs. She was third in the Athasi Stakes afterwards when menacingly closing on the line – over a mile she might well have won – but she made amends with an easy win at Naas when the seconds and third both won subsequently. A frenetically run mile ought to suit.

5.35 – 1m4f Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105): Charlie Appleby won this race with Rare Rhythm last year, a horse that had been off the track 371 days, so Eynhallow’s absence of 120 days isn’t a worry at all and he makes a lot of appeal. Twice a winner for Roger Charlton last year, he’s impressed in Dubai with two solid efforts at Meydan and could still more to give on his third run for the yard. On both those occasions he came from well back to take second behind Walton Street so the stiffer finish and stronger gallop her should be right up his street and a wide draw has not been an impediment in the past to success either.

Take a gamble on the Dubai form and back Walton Street too. The form of his last UK run has worked out brilliantly with Call To Mind now a group winner along with runner-up Count Octave.

It’s the second day of Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips.

2.30 – Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo): Wesley Ward has won this three times, with Jealous Again, Acapulco and Lady Aurelia turning this into a procession on three occasions. The lightning quick Chelsea Cloisters is sure to go close, but Clive Cox managed to beat Happy Like A Fool (went off 10/11) with Heartache and he has a similar contender in the shape of Shape of Hearts here.

Immature and noisy in the paddock before she ran here on debut, she failed to settle through the early parts of the race and then didn’t get a run until he final furlong, where she put the race to bed with a hand ride. Second Queen Of Bermuda has since won twice, once when beating colts in a novice stakes, whilst reopposing third Come On Leicester has since won impressively at Windsor. She will surely get a real gallop to run at her which should allow her to settle and on that form it’s unlikely anything will finish better here.

Aidan O’Brien’s So Perfect was an extremely taking winner on debut when she made a slow start and then came with a withering run to win a Navan maiden in April on yielding ground, but she didn’t build on that when a disappointing favourite in the Fillies’ Sprint Stakes when a failure to get a run did not cost her victory and she was well beaten behind Servalan.

One of the leading highlights of Jessica Harrington’s strong juvenile crop, she improved hand over fist to take eventually win with a deal of comfort her stablemate Chichas Amigas had a next time out winner behind when winning on debut. Severalan was beaten on debut but only behind Andre Amar, who found only Sergei Prokofiev too good on his next start. The five furlongs around this course will hopefully be fine with a strong pace.

Matthieu Palussiere and Antoine Hamelin teamed upto take the Albany with Different League last year so Forever In Dreams, an impressive winner of the Prix Du Medoc and Prix Pirette in her two starts, needs respect. So too does Kurious, who represents last year’s winning connections after winning a Sandown maiden when the runner up was in the same ownership.

1m6f Queen’s Vase (Group 2) (3yo): John Gosden managed to frustrate the Aidan O’Brien battalions yesterday and he might do the same again with Stream Of Stars. He didn’t beat a whole lot here over 1m4f but it was a big step forward from his Newmarket second and he will thrive going at this distance and further in the future.

Aidan O’Brien has a fond history with this race and all of Kew Gardens, Nelson and Southern France need respect. Nelson makes the most appeal out of these, with his defeat of Kew Gardens at Leopardstown and subsequent second to Roaring Lion the best form on offer. However, his blowout in the Derrinstown is a discouraging preparation for this.

Southern France got the better of Drapers Guild (trained by Joseph O’Brien) in taking style at Navan and whilst he must improve on that, he’s far from the finished article and surely will enjoy this extra furlong today. He can confirm that form today. King’s Proctor was third in the Chester Vase and then had to five too much weight in a handicap at Newbury last time. His trainer’s record in this is so good he has to be respected and a new trip could help an awful lot.

Last but not least, don’t forget the Taghroooda half-brother Almoghared, a game winner at Chepstow a month ago who needs this trip as well. Lynwood Gold could improve a good deal for fast ground and also needs respect.

Advice: 1 pt win Stream Of Stars (7/2 general)

1m (Str) Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (4yo+): Hydrangea is the clear form choice if back to her best, and her reappearance wasn’t too disappointing given that this would likely have been the target. She will be hard to beat but even if too good there are three places to aim for and Wilamina might be the obvious place chance. She was a clear best of the rest when behind Whueida on her return in the Dhalia and whilst that race might not have that much depth to it, she had the 1,000 Guineas seventh and Free Handicap winner Anna Nerium beaten there in what was another good effort. That she stays slightly further is a help to her chances here and if she’s over a hard race at Epsom then she should go well.

Tomyris was a taking winner of the Chartwell and has a low mileage whilst Urban Fox gave 7lbs and still managed to beat Tribute Act in a C&D handicap here and she could be finding a new lease of life for William Haggas who has just had her for the first time.

Promising Run has a 3lbs penalty which doesn’t help but a repeat of her Meydan form would give her a serious shot.

A really interesting contender is Arabian Hope, who was third in the Falmouth Stakes last season and then bombed out twice behind that same horse in other Group 1 races. If she’s back and ready to run to her best she could go very close, and it’s interesting that the target is the Falmouth again according to reports.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Wilhamina (8/1 general)

4.20 – 1m2f Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): If Cracksman is recovered from his slog to win the Coronation Cup then the Arc favourite and Champion Stakes winner ought to take apart this field, but he’s had just 19 days to do so. Before that close shave he’d taken apart the Ganay field in a matter of minutes and he put seven lengths between himself and Poet’s Word in last season’s Champion Stakes.

Poet’s Word has continued to improve and whilst he was well beaten behind Hawkbill in the Sheema Classic, he improved from that to take the Brigader Gerard with something in hand at Sandown in what was a fine warmup for this. He can go well once again. Cliffs Of Moher bat Cracksman in last year’s Derby and his win in the Mooresbirdge Stakes will have done him a power of good, but a Group 1 success has eluded him so far and it’s quite possible we’ve seen the best of him.

The most interesting of these horses in a race that might not be blessed with pace is Eminent, who has some very smart form last term that included a third in the Irish Champion Stakes. He was desperately disappointed on his comeback in the Huxley Stakes, for with Martyn Meade has found no excuse, but if he’s back to his best then it’s not impossible to see Oisin Murphy getting a good tactical posse which could enhance his chances.

Hawkbill’s latest run in the Coronation was a really dire performance so it has to be taken on trust that he’s back to his best here, but should that be the case then Charlie Appleby’s charge would be very interesting and he brought Blue Point back to his best as well.

Desert Encounter has been held in races won by Cracksman, Hawkbill and Poet’s Word since his Group 3 win at Newbury last September and Royal Julius looked outclassed.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Eminent (12/1 general)

5.00 – 1m (Str) Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+): As difficult a renewal as one can remember, with every one of the 32 having a realistic chance. The draw – which rewarded the near side in the Coventry in no uncertain manner – will also play a part although there’s pace drawn across the track with front runners drawn low, middle and high. Look for the best place terms in the odds – Betway and Skybet are going one fifth the odds for seven places whilst Coral, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power are giving six. Bet365 only have five placed but they do have ¼ for place terms.

Salstonstall has given two career best efforts since being turned to handicaps by Michael Halford and so impressive was the manner of his win at the Curragh last time that a 5lbs penalty if anything, looks lenient and with fast ground perhaps bringing out more improvement he has enough promise to make the shortlist. Second in the Irish Lincolinshire on his return, the winner has since won a Listed contest at the Curragh which suggests he can handle a mark of 103. The same connections also won this with Portage two years ago.

The last time Raising Sand ran over course and distance he was an impressive winner of the Shergar Cup Mile and since then he has run two big races in valaiuble 7 furlong handicaps, the first when he gave away the race at the start here in September and the second when third in the Challenge Cup in October. That day he was beaten by Accidental Agent and Lord Glitters off a mark of 98, form which looks red hot when you rewatch the Queen Anne in which they finished first and second today. That form might be flattering but Lord Glitters then won the Balmoral and was second in the Lincoln to a group winner whilst Accidental Agent was Listed placed before his big win today.

He made some encouraging late progress in the Victoria Cup but it was a hell of an ask on his return and he will surely strip fitter with that under his belt and a draw of 9 gives Jamie Spencer tactical options to boot.

Escobar was also making his seasonal reappearance in that race and has since found winning form for David O’Meara. He came so close to making the shortlist but Settle For Bay is the second Irish bow to our challenge.

David Marnane’s charge had a four timer at Dundalk through the winner after being upped to a mile but probably gave a career best effort so far for him when making rapid late progress to take a decent fourth at Leopardstown. Only the winner got clear of him and he has since won a Listed contest whilst the sixth has won another handicap so the form looks strong and the straight mile of Ascot and lots more pace will give him a better chance of showing his best once again.

5.35 – 7f Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo): Could It Be Love was only overhauled in the final furlong of the Irish 1,000 Guineas and dropping back to 7 furlongs that should suit, she will take the beating. The money has come for her though and this looks a very deep renewal of the Jersey.

James Garfield has a penalty for his success in the Greenham Stakes but it was merely one of many impressive efforts from George Scott’s charge and his juvenile and three year old form reads very well. He didn’t get home in the Guineas but was once again ahead of Expert Eye and that form doesn’t read too badly here. He was dropped in trip for the Sandy Lane Stakes, but found the 6 furlongs at Haydock too quick, which was no shame given that the first two home were previous 6f Group winners who are now amongst the lead contenders for the Commonwealth Cup. 7 furlongs here ought to suit him down to the ground and he looks big on his best form.

Headway, second in the Coventry Stakes last year, is also worth giving another chance to. He bombed out in the Guineas but previously posted an incredible performance to come from behind and take he Spring Cup. That saw him run two final furlongs of 10.8 and 11.0 seconds, even more impressive when you consider that the early pace was not strong there, and previously he’d also finished third in the Gimcrack.

Expert Eye needs to settle better if he’s to return to the form of his Vintage Stakes win and Society Power and Emaraaty, first and second in a valuable Goodwood Handicap last time, make more appeal. Symbolizations’ Irish Guineas fifth took a beating and Pursuer, a game winner of the King Charles II Stakes, is preferred whilst it’s a huge indicator that St Patrick’s Day make his Ballydoyle debut here. Glorious Journey could also run a big race now he gets a strong pace to aim at – the Prix La Rochette winner was fourth in what was a very strong Craven before his third in the Prix du Guiche.

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We have a fantastic day’s racing to look forward to on the flat, which is ending with a bang both at home and abroad with Grade 1 racing in both hemispheres. The big issue here at British Champions Day is the ground, which we can expect to be soft following a lot of rain over the past few days – especially the total of 7mm that fell in the 24 hours to 7.30am on Friday – with more expected to fall overnight. The inner course will not be used.

QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 2) (1.25): Order Of St George has had the rain come at the right time following his fine fourth in the Arc, but it’s not easy to forget his rather laboured fourth that came in this event last year after an effort that was just as good and all the value has been taken out of his price now the field is known. It’s a surprise he come here instead of the Group 1 Prix-Royal Oak given the circumstance but he’s very much the one to beat here.

The ground is the issue for Big Orange, who beat Order of St George in the Gold Cup, and Stradivarius, who beat Big Orange in the Goodwood Cup before then finishing a fine third in the St Leger behind two horses who had superior pace. Neither of them has any form and anything slower than good and that also applies to Desert Skyline too who has been consistently improving through this year.

Duretto has improved steadily over the past year and heavy ground was no issue as he managed to outstay AcrosBuy Cheltenham Racecourse tickets The Stars at Chester, a few months on from having finished third in a good renewal of the Ormonde. He has form here a swell and the track ought to suit more than Chester so he is interesting. So too is Dartmouth, who was disappointing when eighth in the Irish St Leger but whose other form matches up really well. The previous Hardwicke winner has a lot going for him if that run is forgotten and he caught the eye, as did Torcecor, second in the Irish St Leger when making his first start since the Ascot Gold Cup.

Sheikhzayedroad won this last year and hasn’t been in the same form until his third in the Doncaster Cup, and a repeat of that run would give him a decent place shout although we might have seen the best of him so far. Montaly took the Yorkshire Cup but disappointed at Doncaster; He can handle the ground but he now has something to prove too and this looks trappy.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Dartmouth (22/1 SkyBet)

QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) (2.00): Harry Angel is the one to beat in no uncertain terms but the market has had him snuffed out for a long time and whilst his Sprint Cup win was a special performance, there has to be value in looking outside him, perhaps for an each/way bet in what’s a decent field to end a good year of sprinting. He once again beat Caravaggio, who didn’t have things drop for him in either the July Cup (slow start combined with less pace than in Commonwealth Cup) or at Deauville (foot/plate issue). It’s interesting to note how, when back onto a soft surface at the Curragh, he appeared much more comfortably in the Flying Five, but he must prove Harry Angel hasn’t improved past him since and he will need the favourite to overrace again, something which looks unlikely.

Quiet Reflection made a fine reappearance when she beat two very good yardsticks when taking an easy win in the Renaissance Stakes, and it is fair to expect a better run from her this year than last, on soft ground and with a much less busy season.

She is a big each/way player here but so too is The Tin Man, a horse who has quickly made Ascot his best course and who has finished third in the 2015 renewal of this before taking it last year, having reversed form with Quiet Reflection from Haydock. He took the Diamond Jubilee here at the Royal Meeting when he got the better of Limato, Librisa Breeze and Tasleet, and his run in the July Cup can easily be forgiven. He was a much better third at Haydock in the Sprint Cup and the ground here ought to be less testing on a course that suits more.

Tasleet should also be backed each/way. A stellar winner of the Duke of York Stakes at the beginning of the season, he was a neck behind the Tin Man at Royal Ascot and was then second in the Sprint Cup. A solid, reliable sprinter who is adaptable regarding pace in the race – he gets 7 – he looks too big at 12 and these horses make the most appeal although Brando was third In this last year (lost way since) and Donjuan Triumphant did well to take the restaged Ayr Gold Cup.

QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) (2.40): A strong race but they will all have to go some to beat Bateel, who disappointed in this last year but who was impressive when taking the Prix Vermille from two and a half lengths ahead of last year’s winner Journey. It is fair to expect improvement from John Gosden’s runner, making her first appearance since July – and giving her first good run of the year – but Bateel had a good deal in hand and had been improving beforehand with wins in the Prix de Pomone and Pinnacle Stakes, beating solid yardsticks on both occasions, and she is confidently predicted to go well.

Coronet ran a fine race in a strong edition of the St Ledger when last seen and she deserves a lot of respect with her stamina likely to be an asset. Hydrangea must prove this, stepping up two furlongs following her very close second in the L’Opera to stablemate Hydrangea. If she stays, then she would probably have the best form – she won the Matron Stakes when beating Winter – but that looks to be a big question mark for her.

The Juliet Rose’s Prix de Royallieu victory over Arc weekend was a third success in Pattern company, and she did well considering that she had to make her own running but she was well behind Bateel when the two last met and she will need to take a further step forward although that

Left Hand won the Vermille last year but was well beaten this time around and then fifth in the L’Opera, a creditable run back at 10 furlongs. She can go well, whilst Horseplay needs to improve on her fourth in the Prix Malleret.

Alyssa’s hugely game win in the Park Stakes was a career best and the improvement of runner up Aljezeera marks it down as a performance that’s worthy of serious respect. The ground has come right for her and she will surely use her stamina to good effect.

The Black Princess was well beaten behind the principals in the Vermille and the L’Opera whilst Wild Irish Rose looks exposed.

Advice: 3 pts win Bateel (5/2 Boylesports)

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) (3.15): A belter of a race. Al Wukair was third in the 2,000 Guineas when just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong and since then he has been injured and returned to take the Jacques Le Marois form injury when he beat the reopposing Thunder Snow and Inns Of Court by the shortest of heads, showing an admirable attitude under pressure. The addition of cheekpieces should help him a great deal and assuming he finds cover, he should hopefully have a smoother run here than at Newmarket, when he hated the dip and the lack of pace, and neither is an issue here.

Ribchester, the winner of the Lockinge, Queen Anne and Moulin this season, ought to take the beating in his bid to go one better than last year and looks pretty bombproof from most form angles. Churchill, the winner of both Guineas who bombed out in the St James’s Palace, was a good second in the Juddmonte International but disappointing in the Irish Champion. This looks to be his trip, but he had a lot in his favour when he won the 2,000 and one wonders if we’ve seen the best of him.

Beat The Bank has been hugely progressive this season and took apart Sir John Lavery in the Joel Stakes in the style of a horse who would be taking races at the top level before too long. He ought to go well, although this is a far harder test here.

Thunder Snow looks big of the rest, having been behind Churchill in both Guineas but never beaten by far, and only a short head behind Al Wukair in the Marois. Persuasive has run well in the Matron and Sun Chariot Stakes, but was beaten both times by the three-year-old Roly Poly there and would need to improve on that basis. She was ahead of stablemate Nathra who ran well both times.

Here Comes When revealed in the extreme conditions at Goodwood when he beat Ribchester but conditions will be nowhere near as testing tomorrow and he is likely to struggle without that aid. If it’s not soft enough for him, it’s going to be too soft for Lancaster Bomber, whose best form is all with firm in the going description.

Sea Of Grace enjoys getting her toe in and perhaps this suits more than a mile, but she was still disappointing when only fourth in the Blandford Stakes and this is a lot tougher than the Pouliches in which she was second.

Lightning Spear just got the better of Zonderland when he took the Goodwood Mile by a short head from Zonderland, but he has a long losing streak against Ribchester and Zonderland was well beaten the last time he ran in Group company.

Advice: 2 pts each/way Al Wukair (13/2 general)

QIPCO Champion Stakes (Group 1) (3.50): Fiercely competitive. Cracksman missed the Arc after a tiresome ‘will he won’t he’ saga regarding his participation, but he adds a fascinating edge to this race although he does not make appeal from a betting front. John Gosden’s charge was deeply impressive in the Great Voltigeur and Prix Niel, but the fields he met there pale in comparison to what he will meet here and on both occasions his stamina was just as imperative in victory as his class. He took a long time to get going in both races and whilst he will have a strong pace to aim at, cheekpieces might have been a help and he appears short.

Barney Roy was beaten just a nose by Ulysses in the Eclipse, arguably the best form in this field, but he did too much racing too early when third in the Juddmonte Stakes next time out. He’s been aimed at this since presumably, but the soft ground that has prevailed is not ideal although he will get a pace made for him thanks to Maverick Wave.

Brametot ran well to be fifth in the Arc, behind only Enable, Cloth Of Stars, Ulysses, and Order Of St George, and if he can reproduce that effort he would have a big chance here. It’s also not hard to remember his last to first win in the Prix du Jockey Club earlier in the season, when he nailed Waldegist with a fine late run (form that puts him close to Cracksman). He also had the speed to take the Poulains before that, and Ascot should suit him ideal if he managed to jump with the field, increasing interest in his chance, and he can go well.

So too can Poet’s Word, who has been one of the most progressive horses of the season, going from Chelmsford Handicap winner to Group 1 runner up in the Irish Champion Stakes. Soft ground is no issue – he sliced through the tacky surface at Goodwood when he romped home in the Gordon Stakes before going to Leopardstown – and it would not a surprise if he can get better still.

Highland Reel’s win in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is possibly the best form in this field but it took place on a rock hard surface and he needs that to be at this best. The ground hopefully won’t be as testing as it was in the King George when he was fourth but

Cliffs Of Moher didn’t get a run in the Irish Champion Stakes and was overused in the Juddmonte when he took on Barney Roy too early to great effect, but he still has a bit to prove and the better the ground the better his chance would be.

Recoletos got home by a nose in the Prix du Prince d’Orange at Deauville when he’d been off for a good while beforehand. He got a bad draw in the Jockey Club so did well to be third, although he was perhaps flattered to be so close to Brametot given the late run.

Success Days took the York Stakes thanks to a great ride there but he couldn’t lead them all the way in the Irish Champion Stakes and it’s likely to be the same story in this equivalent. Desert Encounter has run well at a big price in a 10-furlong Group 1 earlier this season – he was third in the Eclipse – and he also took a decent Group 3 last time.

With the Flat season coming to a close the culmination of the British Flat season is upon us as the Qipco British Champions day takes place at Ascot racecourse. It has been running since 2011 and takes place in October every year. With the prize money continuing to increase it means it is now the targeted end of season highlight for many connections of the top horses.

This race day brings together the finals of the five key divisions in the Champions series. This provides a fantastic end of season spectacle for racing fans bringing all the stars of the season together to do battle. With prize money now at an all-time high of £4.26 million over the card it means it is now the richest day in the British Flat racing season.

The event was created by drawing together several of the key end of season races from Ascot and Newmarket into the one card. The original races that have been changed are the Diadem Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes from Ascot. Then the Champion stakes, Jockey Club Cup and Pride Stakes from Newmarket. The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Champion Stakes have retained their names and are the final races for the Mile and Middle distance divisions. In addition the Diadem stakes has become the British Champions Sprint, the Pride stakes has become the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes and the Jockey Club Cup has become the British Champions Long Distance Cup.

With this now being such a prestigious day of racing for champions it has no doubt brought about some of the top performances over the years. None other than from the highest rated Flat horse in history in Frankel. With a rating of 147; Frankel was in a league of his own and no horse in recent times has come close. Only Sea the stars back in 2006 with a rating of 140 and the American superstar in Arrogate with a rating of 141 are near the former star.

Frankel won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes by four lengths in 2011 and then followed up a year later in the Champion Stakes. This was the culmination of a stunning career that will forever be remembered at this meeting. There was a bumper crowd of around 32,000 on the day and this has continued to follow with vast amounts of people heading to Ascot to view this stunning day of racing every year.

The British Champions Long Distance Cup is a Group 2 for three year olds or above. It was established back in 1873 and is now ran over 2 miles following several changes to its distance. The prize money for the event is now £450,000 which is a stark contrast to the £65,000 prize fund that was on offer back in 2010. The large increase having come from the takeover of Qipco as the sponsor.

The Champions Sprint Stakes is now a Group 1 since 2015 that is open for three year olds or above. It is ran over 6 furlongs and was established back in 1946. The prize fund for the race was £100,000 in 2010 and has now increased to £600,000 with the first prize at £340,260. Betfair horse racing make Harry Angel there 13/8 favourite for this year’s race. He will be expected to take all the beating having won so impressively on its last appearance.

Another race on the day is the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes that is a Group 1 again for three year olds and above. The race is ran over 1 mile 4 furlongs and was established back in 1946 and also has prize money of £600,000 for the event compared to the £100,000 back in 2010.

The two key races every year are the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Champion Stakes both for three year olds and above. The QE II is a Group 1 run over a mile and was established back in 1955. The prize money for the race has now reached a vast sum of £1.1 million. This is followed by the premier race on the card in the Champion stakes that is ran over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs. It was established back in 1877 and was originally ran at Newmarket. It is also the richest race on the card with a staggering prize fund of £1.3 million and a first prize of £737,320.

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Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo) (2.30): Aidan O’Brien has run 25 juveniles so far this year, a light seeming number for many – and only one of them has won. That horse is September, who was sensationally impressive when given the order to go and win her maiden. That performance alone had the feel of a pattern class run to it, but she could well improve as so many of her yard does and her position at the head of the market is justified. However this race often sees giant leaps forward so don’t be afraid to look for some each/way value here at big prices. Less than two lengths separated Westerland, Hey Gama and Match Make at Leicester on their debuts and given that the latter two didn’t have the advantage of experience that Westerland did, that form could be reversed and both are interesting chances here. Hey Gaman was beaten just a nose by Westerland there whilst Match Maker was a running on third who now gets a stiff 7 furlongs over which to improve and he has been overlooked at 20’s.

The form of Masar’s debut win at Goodwood has been boosted twice since and he is a worthy second favourite and major each way player. Nyaleti also looked useful on his debut although the form of that race hasn’t been as well represented.

Wolferton Handicap (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+ 0-110) (1m2f): Khiraat’s super win at Chester is entirely deserving of his 13lbs rise and he can probably be better than his mark still in time, although there are plenty of options in this handicap. William Buick and Charlie Appleby have dominated these races this week and their Kidmenever has strong claims on two smart efforts at Meydan. This is just his third run for Appleby and he can take a step forward again which would give him a serious chance.

So can Central Square, whose third at Newmarket on his return was a promising effort with this in mind. He ended last year progressing and whilst jumping didn’t suit him, he looked worth of a mark of 104 ad a 3lbs rise for his recent effort is fair given that he’s likely to take a step forward for that run and also the return to a track with a stiff finish. That form also looks reasonably strong as well and his best efforts from last year would have him involved. Pacify’s best form from 2016 would give him a serious chance and a midfield run in the Spring Cup should have him spot on although the handicapper could cut him a little more slack. That said, he should go very well.

If Mythical Madness is as happy at this trip than he has been when refinding his best form over a mile the past twice, then he ought to be considered a serious danger. A wide draw is no help for Elbreth but no horse has earned his mark more and he can go very nicely. The best of Aryad’s form entitles him to be involved here but he has not been cut much slack by the handicapper either. This is a tough return for topweight Scarlet Dragon, but he improved relentlessly last year and his victory in the old Rowley Cup was that of a tenacious improver.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Central Square (15/2 general)

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+) (1m4f): This is an interesting renewal with plenty of questions over the leading contenders. The biggest of them in terms of the market would appear to be whether Dartmouth wants good fast ground but this is not the rocket like surface of Tuesday and is form on fast ground is more than respectable, including a third in the King George and a second in the Canadian International.

Wings of Desire was second in the King George, a fine step up from his Derby fourth, and he then found the Juddmonte too quick for him. If he’s fit and ready for his returns then he ought to take the world of beating and this ground will be perfect for him. Having developed a lot in a short time last year he could be much better as a 4 year old with a winter on his back and he’s technically got the best form of any in the field.

Idaho was third in the Derby and second in the Irish equivalent last year, but since an unseat in the St Leger things have gone south for him and his return in the Coronation Cup was very lacklustre. However, he holds more potential than most to improve for his return there and if at his classic best then he’d be a major player.

Muntahaa was well beaten in the Leger having gone far too fast early and he’s better than that, but he didn’t have much in hand when winning the John Porter at Newbury (when just ahead of Chemical Charge) and he may be swamped early unless everything goes perfectly for him. He’s a quick ground horse so forget his Yorkshire Cup run.

Dal Harralid was a much improved horse last year and carried it on when he won the Grand Cup Stakes at York, upped to 1m6f. The worry for him now is cutting back in trip and going up in grade. My Dream Boat took the Prince of Wales’s Stakes here last year and didn’t do at all badly since; He stayed on well to be second in the John Porter and Hawkbill didn’t do the form any harm with his Coronation Cup third.

Prize Money isn’t going to find this any easier than the Coronation Cup but Across The Stars could do better than his return. He obviously needed his return behind Hawkbill but he won the King Edwards in good style last year and could go well at a price.

Advice: No bet.

Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+) (6f): Paul Jacobs may have his own theories about what was behind Limato’s poor run at Meydan in the Al Quoz Sprint but the only thing that really matters to Henry Candy’s five year old is the surface underfoot and he has his ideal conditions today. A miler turned sprinter, he was superb in dominating the July Cup last year and then found only the crack speedster Mecca’s Angel too good over York’s lightning fast five furlongs before taking the Prix Foret in similarly easy fashion and when he gets a fast surface he generally reached standard that others in the field would struggle to reach.

One of those who might be able to do so is Tasleet, who returned to sprinting for the first time when smashing the opposition in the Duke of York Stakes. A fine second on his return behind a very good benchmark in Home Of The Brave, he shot clear of Magical Memory, Comicas, Mobsta and The Tin Man to leave them looking like average sprinters that afternoon and whilst he was fit, healthy and chance the ground that day, he was so far superior that his victory cannot be explained solely on that alone and his form figures over 6 furlongs read 411211. He can make a bold bid.

Magical Memory and The Tin Man will both step forward a great deal from those runs and can be in the shakeup, with Magical Memory perhaps the more appealing on this quick ground although it won’t hurt The Tin Man.

Librisa Breeze was remarkably progressive last year over 7 furlongs, taking the International Stakes and then the Tote Challenge Cup, but he didn’t quite cut the ice when he was sixth here on Champions Day and this is a very tough return for all that he might make up into a top class sprinter over 6.

The Right Man won the Al Quoz when Limato was so disappointing, continuing a theme of progression from this time last year to now. Always in the van, the rain that hit Meydan was a huge boost for him although probably not the runner up Long On Value who came just too late on the flat track and who also is a firm ground winner.

This will be the fastest ground that The Right Man has encountered so that form could be reversed today and Long On Value can turn those placings around.

Suedois is not the horse he was last season when placed in three Group 1’s based on three dull efforts this year. This test could bring a lot out of Acclaim, so it would be unwise to look into his Lockinge return too much and he showed a lot of toe to beat Lumiere at the backend of last season in the Challenge Stakes.

Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-110) (5.50): That Outback Traveller managed to get the verdict in last year’s renewal is impressive (not least given what Brando has managed to do since) but Robert Cowell has managed to get him here just 4lbs higher in the weights and he ought to take the beating.

Raucous bumped into a pair of class acts when third in the Stewards’ Cup last season and his return at Windsor in a listed contest bodes very well for him here.

Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) (5.35): A strong staying race to end the week. Thomas Hobson’s stunning win in the Ascot Stakes was predicted by the market although the manner of it was hugely impressive even for a favourite and a repeat of that would ensure that he takes the beating.

His main form rival is Qewy, fourth in the Melbourne Cup and a very high-class dual purpose performer. He was second in the Ascot Stakes last year off the same mark as Thomas Hobson and he also took the Geelong Cup before his fourth at Flemington. Coming from a yard that has already readied long absent horses and with stamina pretty much guaranteed (or at least as far a 2m4f), he holds huge claims.

Chester Cup winner Montaly is another leading form contender whilst Winning Story’s AW form (on a line through Watersmeet, who ran well in the Chester Cup) has him there or thereabouts.

Big Orange was the highlight of Royal Ascot 2017 Gold Cup Day with a brilliant ride from James Doyle and a fine training performance from Michael Bell to boot. A nice winner for us with the other tips running well, but the defeats of Mirage Dancer and Mori were a blow.

Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo) (2.30):Alpha Centauri has been brilliantly impressive in winning both her maiden and then the Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes, increasing her advantage over horses she had beaten before including Actress (who is here again and who was also a decent winner when beating a next time out winner with a fair amount of ease) between the first and the second run. She can take the beating and get the better of fellow Irish challenger Clemmie, who ran a fine race on her debut when third behind Gasta and Now We’re Talking, who was fourth in the Queen Mary. This ground ought to be much better for her and she can take a big step forward. Fairyland has been highly ranked alongside Wesley Ward’s juveniles and has to be respected after her impressive Keeneland maiden win, although her stable’s two year olds have disappointed in the main with the exception of Happy Like A Fool, second in the Queen Mary. His other contender Princess Peggy is a big price if she’s over her accident with a cyclist on Thursday. Blinkered when winning a 5f maiden on sloppy dirt at Belmont on her debut, she might well be too big. The form of Black Sails’ debut win at the Curragh has taken some hits but she was undeniably impressive there and if taking another step from that she is entitled to be in the shakeup here.

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo) (3.05): Sir Michael Stoute has gone very close on a number of occasions this week but he may finally hit the board with Crystal Ocean here. The source of flowing reports over the winner, he made a very taking return when winning at Nottingham in April and was then the subject of a heavy gamble for the Derby before his Dante third. He was held up in that contest when the first two there (including Permian) were not that far away from him when he took a very promising third. That was just his third run and the win of Benbatl yesterday (fifth in the Derby) is a boost for the form which suggests that it stands up well in this context. Best Solution was eight in the Derby and Glendcam Glory ninth; Both have a fair task on here.

Permian won the Dante and deserves major credit, having beaten Khalidi easily the time before at Newmarket. He can go well although this trip is a question mark whilst Khalidi was well beaten in the Derby. Salouen got no run consistently there and might well have a better time here with a decent draw in nine to boot today. He gave fitness when finishing a neck second to Khaldi on his return and he can do well here.

Advice: 3 pts win Crystal Ocean (11/4 general)

Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo) (3.40): The betting for this revolves around Caravaggio, a devastatingly Impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes last year when he was on the wrong side, crossed over to the right one and then won by and a fine winner of the Lacken Stakes on his return, having not been seen since his win in the Phoenix. His unbeaten record is not going without a fight but he will have one huge battle on in what looks a fine race.

Godolphin would have bitten your hand of for their results so far this week and it could still get better as they have two big chances of taking a third Group 1 win of the week here. Blue Point beat Harry Angel in what was a very strong Cornwallis on their season al return. Blue Point was a professional winner that day but he got 4lbs from Harry Angel, who was far more relaxed when taking apart the field in the Sandy Lane (Tis Marvellous well held in fourth) at Haydock and he will take all the beating.

Bound To Nowhere has been given a huge vote of confidence by Wesley Ward and if he has been working better than Lady Aurelia then the rest of the field will face a tall order here.

Advice: 1 pt win Harry Angel (3/1 general)

Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo) (4.20): here may scarcely have been a more impressive display this season than Winter’s hugely impressive win over Roly Poly and Hydrangea in the Irish 1,000 and a repeat of that or her Newmarket success ought to give her a third Group 1 on the bare figures here.

Pericuse’s win in the Pouliches has to be respected seriously as she appeared to make a serious step forward for the upping in trip to a mile on that day. What remains to be seen is whether she’s at home on ground this fast compared to Deauville where she and the first four home were significantly at an advantage compared to the rest there. That said, she needs serious respect.

Dabuah hasn’t run in either Guineas, but she’s won three of her four and whilst her only defeat came over a mile, there was nothing not to like about her third in the Marcel Boussac. The exploits of Senga have underlined that renewal and her reappearance win was very cosy, even taking into account unprepared and weak opposition.

La Coronel has been impressive in the Appalachian and Edgewood Stakes after a good comeback and the fact that Mark Casse sends her here is a significant endorsement given his success with Tepin in the Queen Anne last year. However her Breeders’ Cup sixth suggest that she will struggle to make an impact here.

Tomyris has come on in great strides and was very game in victory at York when she won the Michael Seely. However that form took a big blow when the next three were all well beaten in the Sandringham and that also took place on soft ground as well.

Advice: No bet.

Queen’s Vase (Group 2) (Class 1) (1m6f) (3yo): The dropping back of this race two furlongs puts another little cloud over what is a tricky enough contest to rate in any case. Aidan O’Brien, Mark Johnston and Sir Michael Stoute are the three trainers to focus on and they appear to have very strong chances once again here.

There can’t be a better-bred horse in this field than Wisconsin and whilst he’s still got to find a lot on the bare form, there’s plenty to like about what we’ve seen. The son of Deep Impact and Peeping Fawn found 10 furlongs too short on his debut but he was happier at 12 furlongs last time out when a comfortable winner as his odds suggested he would be. The second and third have since won (the third seven lengths adrift) but if he takes after his mother then there’s got to be a ton more in the locker and he’s worth chancing at 10/1. The slipping of the saddle on Naughty Or Nice means we were robbed of seeing just how strong the Yeats Stakes was. Belgravia was a short priced favourite there who was hampered during the home stretch when he was backpeddling anyway; The victory of Grandee since has at least solidified form claims and Haripour, three lengths back, has since won. He should go well but can be shot at.

That Time To Study won the Edinburgh Cup feels more remarkable with every single rewatch of the race and the form of that race has since been underlined, with the second and third both winning since off higher marks since (stablemate Mister Manduro was fourth). Having raced widest of all and then been forced into the lead three furlongs from home, he found enough to carry topweight to victory and he ought to be very tough to pass today.

Count Octave did his best work towards the end of the Chester Vase even if that race has been let down a couple of times (bar Wings of Eagles, a different case afterwards). Desert Skyline has amongst the best form and would get at least 1m4f whilst Stradivarius can go nicely following another step up in trip from his Chester loss.

Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105) (5.35): The key form race may well be the 12 furlong handicap that introduced 1,000 Guineas day at Newmarket and all the evidence suggests that Mainstream was generously treated to be given just a 2lbs rise for his third there. Second Top Tug, who is also worth backing today, has since won nicely at Goodwood whilst winner Frontiersman looks a horse out of the top level based on his Coronation Cup win. Top Tug doesn’t look as well handicapped as him following a good win at Goodwood but that was a performance that deserves respect and the stamina he has will be a fine asset here.

Sixties Groove has been prepared for this for a long time and whilst he’s not straightforward, his efforts at this trip all show that he’s got more to give. Appeared has had a stop start career but progressed well and looked as if he had enough in hand to beat off a 10lbs rise when he was a deeply impressive C&D winner on his return

Rare Rhythm got no run when he was second favourite for this last year on his reappearance. A deeply impressive winner off a 10lbs lower mark before then, that form hasn’t worked out so he does have something to prove for all that the boys in blue have had a stellar week.

The stand side dominated proceedings throughout the day yesterday and it’s been noted in making today’s selections.

Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo) (5f) (2.30): Fiercely contested and the winner will take some finding. Wesley Ward has already taken two wins this week and his McErin could make the week even better for him. A deeply impressive debut winner at Keeneland in April when he won by 7 & ½ lengths, but he was upset when beaten in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. He missed the break that day, meaning that he had to be rushed to the early lead, but if he breaks cleanly today in a different setting he could be too quick to catch again and he apparently has been working phenomenally according to his trainer.

Cardsharp is perhaps more exposed than a traditional winner of this but he had De Bruyne Horse going for a long way in the Woodcote before stamina kicked in and he was then an impressive winner of a neat Beverley conditions event. He gave weight in defeat to the Coventry fifth Aqbah here on his second start and can outrun his price.

Over this stiffer trip Frozen Angel might reverse form from the National Stakes with Havana Grey whilst Sentry’s defeat of Consequences and It Don’t Come Easy reads exceptionally well before you take into account the weight that he gave for having won first time out at York.

True Blue Moon took the Rochestown Stakes at Naas, although he will need to do more still to get involved here on a line through the third who was well beaten in the Windsor Castle. Sioux Nation is interesting – he’s only managed to win a Cork maiden from four starts, but the ground was of no use to him last time and his two length second to Brother Bear now reads very well in this context. Koditime didn’t get home at Newbury on soft ground but was taking on his Doncaster debut and is another who has to be considered closely.

Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) (formerly The Tercentenary Stakes) (Class 1) (1m2f) (3yo) (3.05): Fiercely contested and classy. Mirage Dancer may want to go up in trip sooner rather than later but this course is certain to suit a whole lot more than Chester on his return in the Vase and he ought to take a serious step forward from that hugely promising run. The winner Cliffs of Moher of course underlined his improvement by finishing second in the Derby whilst he was conceding a run to the second and third, both of whom have strong form. A good 41 day break should also be a significant advantage.

Advice: 2 pts win Mirage Dancer (4/1 general)

Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (1m4f) (3yo) (3:40): The stunningly bred Mori has taken great steps forward with every start and she can make a bold bid to live up to her parents achievements. A good winner of the Height of Fashion Stakes, she had plenty in hands over Coconut Crème at Goodwood and the form was given another boost when Elias Mori took a Listed event at Newbury in good style to underline the form. She can keep improving – as she really does need to – and this trip ought to be just fine for her. Alluringly and Coronet are both the key form contenders although both have only had 20 days to overcome gruelling efforts in the Oaks. Naughty Or Nice, unbeaten in two starts so far and a game winner of the Yeats Stakes at Navan, looks a real stayer who needs respect and Astronomy’s Choice.

Advice: 1 pt win Mori (11/4 general)

Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+) (4.20): Last year’s winner Order Of St George is the standout here and ought to take the beating following his very decent warmup in the Saval Beg stakes. However the market knows all about him at evens and with 13 other rivals this has a fine shape to it and it’s worth taking a couple to run big races for each/way purposes.

There can’t be a stayer in training that’s more popular than Big Orange and whilst this won’t be anywhere near as simple as the Henry II Stakes at Sandown, he has a big chance of serving it up to the favourite. A tremendously tough front running stayer, either his fourth in the Dubai Gold Cup or his win in the Henry II would give him a decent chance and he took the Goodwood Cup last season to boot.

Simple Verse took the Park Stakes last season before finishing third here on Champions Day and she ought to be involved in the thick of things here, having just been beaten by Dartmouth on her return in the Yorkshire Cup. She has always shaped as if she’ll stay.

One contender who definitely will stay is Sheikhzayedroad, who was third in this last year and then the Goodwood Cup before taking the Doncaster Cup and then winning on Champions Day. A lover of this course and distance, his two runs in the UAE should have put him spot on for this and he comes into his own going further than 2 miles. He has to be respected.

Torcedor beat Order of St George and do so convincingly in the Vintage Crop Stage, although he had the run of the race, fitness advantage and then 5lbs less to carry thanks to having no Group 1 win. However he’s 2-2 for Jessica Harrington and whilst he needs more improvement, everything looks set for a bold show.

Harbour Law was disappointing and greatly so on his return but the St Leger winner (second in the Queen’s Vase last year) can still do well as a stayer and he

Sweet Selection won the Sagaro, having taken the Cambridgeshire in great style last year, and she ought to go well too if stepping forward from that.

Britannia Stakes (Colts & Geldings) (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) (5.00): Nigh on impossible. It remains to be seen how the track plays but it was standside or bust yesterday in the Hunt Cup and Sandringham, regardless of the draw. Bring drawn high is a likely advantage however and we have to consider that in our thinking.

Horroob would be a lot short for this had things gone his way when he ran on turf at Goodwood for the first time this season and that misfortune has allowed him to keep his mark of 90. Handed the widest draw of all in 12 – a death knell around the notoriously undulating Goodwood – he ran a blinder to get as close as he did that day and a straight course ought to suit him a whole lot more today. Having just got in, he catches the eye and makes a good amount of appeal especially given that there’s a lot of pace drawn around him which was so important to the results on the straight course.

Make it two on the near side with Colibri, who made a fine return in the Esher Cup at Sandown and can improve to take a hand here. Fourth that day, he was behind Atty Peresse, Much Applause and The Grape Escape, all of whom have finished second since, whilst Junatio Chico, one place behind, has since won a decent handicap at Epsom to boot. The overall form looks rock solid and he can improve from that which makes him an each/way play.

1m4f (1m3f211y) King George V Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105) (5.35): Mark Johnston has won this on five occasions and looks to have a really strong chance to boot with his squad here. Mister Scaramanaga’s two runs at proper middle distance have bought two fine efforts, the first a fine second at Bath in what has turned out to be one for the strongest 3 yo middle distance handicaps of the season and the second when fourth in the Edinburgh Cup when just behind a next time out winner and ahead of a next time out second.

The step back in trip ought to be just fine for him and the form from his first run of the season is well worth reliving. He was ahead of stalemate and subsequent Dante winner Permian with another stablemate Sofia’s Rock just behind. Sofia’s Rock, who is shorter in the betting, was fourth that time and has won impressively twice since – and he can also go well.

A magnificent start to the week, with the 1-2 in the Queen Anne and St James’s Palace for short price bettors and value seekers alike plus a 33/1 place in the Norfolk.

Ribchester kicked off the meeting in great fashion for us, hitting the front early but always being that bit too good for Mutakayyed, who ran a fine race as expected. Deauville outperformed expectations to finish a good third, opening up plenty of options for his summer too especially when the ground is this fast. The winner looks set for the Sussex again, where he will take the beating once again and the runner up could go there too – or the Summer Mile as well given he has no penalty to carry at this moment in time.

Aqbah couldn’t quite get a place in the Coventry for us, where Rajasinghe lowered the course record to just get the better of Headway. Not much separated the first six or seven and it might be best to wait and see if the form stacks up although Prince Of The Dark was an eyecatcher in sixth.

Nothing could be done to stop the sensational Lady Aurelia, who won a hugely competitive King’s Stand Stakes on the bridle, with minimal urging from John Velazques, beating last year’s winner Profitable and Marsha in incredible style. It’s testament to just how impressive she was that the race needs to be watched to fully explain the brilliance and he left behind two Group 1 winners in second and third, both making them look average when they ran fine races. Evens for the Nunthrope would be generous if she turned up there fit and well (or just turned up) whilst Profitable and Marsha should have fine seasons.

Barney Roy’s defeat of Lancaster Bomber was punting dream come true that also confirmed the promise he has shown in a short but fine career so far. Godolphin today got the better of Coolmore in the tactical stakes, with the positioning of the main Godolphin two assisting James Doyle, who was ahead of Ryan Moore all the way through and who also came with a clean run down the outside to take a well-deserved win. Lancaster Bomber ran another fine fast ground race for a deserved second ahead of Thunder Snow and the three have realistic chances of taking Group 1 glory before the season is out. Churchill was disappointing, having tracked the leading four, but he did not pick up as he has in the past when chasing opposition and a post-race debrief ought to tell us a lot. A rematch with the winner looks likely if he recovers from any sort of injury.

The Ascot Stakes was won impressively by Thomas Hobson, who could go onto pattern company having been so impressive today, and the Windsor Castle was a Goolphin 1-2 although had our fancy James Garfield managed to break well and keep straight, he may well have taken it all but we can’t complain.

Wednesday will be tougher, but we go again.

Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo) (2.30): A very high class renewal which will tell us a good deal about the gap between the fillies and the colts too if all run to form. It’s very tough to split the Poulains second Le Brivido and Guineas fifth Dream Castle, but this lightning fast ground and the 7 furlong trip might just turn things in favour of Godolphin once again and perhaps he can just edge the verdict here. Both will be very tough to beat, however, and perhaps a place bet on Dream Castle is the way to go. Daban, who was a fine third in the 1,000 Guineas, had beaten German Guineas winner Unforgettable Filly in the Nell Gwyn before and this step back to 7 furlongs might well be ideal following her Guineas third.

Those three will take a great deal of catching. Whitecliffsofdover didn’t follow up his impressive Newmarket win at Naas next time out and has something to prove here whilst Glastonbury Song ought to enjoy this much faster ground then he’s had so far and could run well above his price; The same could also be said about Escobar, who disappointed in the Autumn Stakes but was a good second on his return at Sandown. Chessman has been beaten twice since an impressive two tear old debut but that connections are willing to forego his mark of 93 is an interesting statement. Taamol improved greatly for his return when he won the King Charles II Stakes and he could take another step forward too here although he will need to as he was getting 5lbs from the runner up that day.

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo) (5f) (3.05): Tricky to evaluate but Wesley Ward knows what it takes to win this race so the vote of confidence that all have given to Happy Like A Fool is a huge endorsement and she will take any amount of beating here based on here emphatic Keenland debut when she won by four lengths over 4 & ½ furlongs. She is described as her trainer’s best chance of a winner this week (and well before that) whilst Ward is quoted as saying that “from Day One she showed the most talent of any 2-year-old I’ve had”.

Heartache’s impressive start to her career at Bath was backed up by the time and a subsequent winner from there and she’s shortlisted although there’s plenty of big prices in this field to look at. With Main Desire now out, Neola’s second in the Marygate is amongst the best form and she is a player on that basis although this will be a much faster surface than her two much improved efforts.

Chica La Habana was pitched in at the deep end but she took the Hilary Needler and Beverley and if improving as much as she promised to that day, she must be respected. Formidable Kitt’s dam took this in 2012 for the same connections and she was backed a si fdefeat was out of the question on her Newmarket debut. The worry is that the form of that event has taken nothing but knocks since and she had little in hand at the end.

Mrs Gallagher got the verdict by a nose over course and distance on debut, but she beat two subsequent winners, one of whom (Out Of The Flame) was deeply impressive when dotting up at Windsor, albeit in weak company. She might be worth chancing here in the hope there’s improvement still. Treasuring’s form took a dent when Declarationofpeace lost a show and couldn’t give his running in the Windsor Castle but she was quite taking when a handy winner at Navan (her first turf start) for a stable which won this in 2007.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Mrs Gallagher (14/1 Paddy Power*)

*4 places

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (4yo+) (1m straight) (3.40): Several who would not be unlikely winners of this race and another strong hand for Godolphin. Usherette took this last year and in good style, but the ground was soft then and she didn’t appear to like the very fast ground at Newmarket in the Falmouth Stakes. That is a worry given how quick conditions will be, despite the fact that she’s run very well in two prep races this season, the latter of them the D’Isphan.

Laugh Aloud has been hugely impressive in two wins this season, the first the Conqueror Stakes at Goodwood before then making a procession of the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. The ground is an advantage to her but it will need to be as both those races were weak compared to what she will face here.

Last year’s Coronation Stakes winner Qemah has been the horse on many people’s minds for this race and had a nice prep when second behind Mix and Mingle in the Chartwell at Leicester. Mix And Mingle got an exceptional ride to win that day from Ryan Moore, although she had the advantage of race fitness and a far better trip. A worry for Qemah however is the very fast ground she will be facing today – faster than anything she’s faced so far – which puts doubt in some way over her challenge.

Smart Call made a very encouraging debut when she was a running on third in the Middleton, having been at the rear of a four runner field in a race run at a relative crawl. A winner over a mille in South Africa, she ought to stop a good deal fitter for that and should find a well run big field mile more to her strengths here. Very fast ground is a potential unknown but she catches the eye. It’s fascinating that John Gosden chooses to start Gret G, an impressive winner of the Gran Premio Mil Guineas on her last start in Argentina, here first time out with Greta G. This ground again is a huge change for her but she must be highly rated.

Advice: No bet.

Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+) (1m2f): There will be worries about very fast ground for Jack Hobbs but it didn’t stop him taking the Irish Derby as a three year old and the large majority of his form is the standout in the field. He had everything go his way in the Sheema Classic, so expect Highland Reel to get a lot closer to him, but only Almanzor and Found could beat him in the Champion Stakes here last October. He’s reliant on a strong pace but he ought to get it today with Johannes Vermeer and Scottish presumably pacemakers (and a front running Highland Reel).

Highland Reel was typically classy when he took the Coronation Cup and he had leading form claims here. 10 furlongs is also fine for him especially given that he’s going to be trying to make the running.

Ulyesses is typical of so many from his table – finding a huge amount going from three to four – and his win in the Gordon Richards Stakes has been boosted a great deal by Deauville’s fine runs since. However that improvement must come if he is to match the top two at their best and whilst it well could come, 8lbs improvement is needed on the ratings. Decorated Knight is a dual Group 1 winner and respected, but those were both weak contests that he took and he must step forward a good deal more than Ulysses for example.

If the dead eight stay then Mekhtaal has a fair chance at making it into the first three. Sixth in the Prix Du Jockey Club, he has improved steadily since and Jean-Claude Rouget appears to have found his niche now of decent ground and 10 furlongs, and whilst it might not have been the strongest D’Isphan seen in recent times, he had a little more in hand than the neck winning margin suggested and in the Hocquart he was only beaten by Cloth Of Stars, who went onto take the Ganay afterwards. He appears to have been ignored by bookmakers.

Queen’s Trust took the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and was consistently excellent last year, although she has to improve on anything she’s done so far to be involved here. This proper galloping test with a strong pace will be of far more use to her than a farcical Middleton though.

(Str) Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+) (5.00): Everybody knows how hard the Royal Hunt Cup is so I’m going to get straight into it. Newbury’s Spring Cup is by far the strongest piece of handicap form this season and that Banksea has gone up only 4lbs for winning it on his return looks pretty incredible. Second Another Touch was fourth in the Hambleton and has since won a valuable Nottingham Handicap; Third Fastnet Tempest beat fourth George William in the Victoria Cup before winning again and fifth Bossy Guest got no run but was still seventh in the Victoria Cup.

A repeat of that performance would give him deadly serious claims here and he can’t go unbacked. Fastnet Tempest is fancied by many but he has shaped as if dropped down to 6 would be better than going back upto a mile again and others may finish this Calvary charge.

George William may well be one of them. He gave weight and a beaten to GK Chesterton on his return this season in April before fluffing his lines when at the start when fourth in the Spring Cup. He found 7f just a bit quick for him in the Victoria when it was tough to make up ground from behind but with plenty of pace to aim at from stall 1 this could be rather different today and if he gets the breaks he can go close.

EL Vip should be able to settle of this likely pace and if so, is a worthy favourite for the way he cut through the field on his last start at Newmarket. Abe Lincoln is the subject of many positive reports from all involved with his preparation and the form of the Britannia of last year doesn’t look at all bad through fourth Arcanda, who beat Banksea at York last August. He’s entitled to huge respect.

Several have plenty of each/way appeal at very big prices including Another Touch, so be open minded when looking.

Sandringham Handicap (Listed Race) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo 0-110) (5.35): Almost more difficult than the Hunt Cup as less jumps out to the eye here. Rain Goddess might be top weight but she’s not exposed by any means and her two runs in the Fred Darling and Poluches give her huge credit here. Having needed the run badly on her return, she made good late headway into fourth at Newbury and then built on that when fifth in the Pouliches on ground that she does not like by all accounts (and evidence) behind horses that revelled in the very soft conditions. It’s not impossible that these are her ideal conditions.

On Her Toes and Sibilance returned with excellent efforts in a York Listed race and both are amongst a number who should be able to go well.

Cont Te Partiro is a fascinating runner for Wesley Ward, but stamina must be the issue here for all she has respectable form. Dumfrad Bay is an interesting contender who could enjoy this first crack at a mile whilst Really Special would have a big chance on the direct form of her Meydan Listed third. Grecian Light must find more off this mark after a fair return and a good two year old campaign.

Bean Feasa is also interesting. She’s been busy this season already but the one time she got onto good to firm ground, she was an impressive winner of a 1,000 Guineas trial when well clear of Asking, and she had all chance stolen from her when she was baulked in the real thing on ground far too soft for her. If she gets a clear run she could be worth chancing.

Gymnaste has to be respected on the basis of her handicap debut when she did not get a clear run twice down the straight although that effort still demands improvement here – the winner would likely have been too good anyway.

One of Britain’s favourite horseracing festivals –Royal Ascot – is just around the corner and excitement is reaching fever pitch. Whilst the new Village Enclosure – the first new enclosure for 100 years – is attracting a lot of media attention, talk has also started among punters about which horses to back.

The world-famous five-day event is a great opportunity to make some money, and whilst reading tips and studying the form book is certainly helpful, the best way to ensure you end the week in profit is by heading over to www.matchedbettingsites.com – a site offering a mathematically proven betting system.

Dartmouth will be racing in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes on Saturday’s closing card – the same event that he won last year. The Royal winner comes into the week in fine form, having made a successful return to action in the Yorkshire Cup – the first significant stayers’ race of the season. Nevertheless, he’ll face stiff competition from Frontiersman, who put up a great fight in finishing second in the recent Coronation Cup.

If you want to kick the week off with a win, however, look no further than Ribchester in the Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday. The four-year-old Chestnut horse, who’s trained by Richard Fahey, will be chasing down his second Royal Ascot win. He won the Jersey Stakes last year, and heads into the race in fine form having won emphatically in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month. His biggest threat is likely to be Lightning Spear, but Ribchester has seen him off in their previous four meetings.

Fast-forward two days to Thursday and the Gold Cup – arguably Britain’s most prestigious event for stayers – the bookies are offering evens for Order of St George to retain his crown. The five-year-old Bay horse heads a field of 17 declared, going into the race off the back of a simple victory at Leopardstown.

Looking ahead to Friday and the Coronation Stakes, and the clear favourite with the bookies is Caravaggio. The three-year-old Grey Colt is unbeaten in five starts, and will be looking for his second win at Royal Ascot after taking the Coventry Stakes with relative ease last year. Whilst he faces some competition – the Godolphin-owned duo Harry Angel and Blue Points are perhaps the strongest – Caravaggio has been described by trainer Aidan O’Brien as one of his fastest ever horses.

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